The 13th Biennial Die & Mould International Exhibition, DIE & MOULD INDIA 2024, the flagship trade fair organised by TAGMA-INDIA, is just near the corner. Set to take place from February 14 to 17, 2024, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Goregaon, Mumbai, India, this event is already building up anticipation and expectations. Machine Maker has engaged in an in-depth conversation with D Shanmugasundaram, the Vice President of TAGMA INDIA, covering intricate details about the event.
TAGMA-INDIA, the Tool and Gauge Manufacturers Association of India is a nationwide representation of the Tooling Industry. Established in 1990, TAGMA-INDIA has its Registered Office in Bangalore and a Secretariat in Mumbai, with additional segments in Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Noida, and Pune. At present, it holds a membership of 665 companies. TAGMA India plays an instrumental role as a forum for the Indian Tool Room & Die and Mould Industry.
TAGMA-INDIA is actively involved in various tools and components’ design, sales, and manufacturing processes. These include dies for pressing, stamping, punching, and forming; injection and compression moulds; die casting dies; patterns and pattern equipment; jigs and fixtures; standard tooling components; CAD/CAM; rapid prototyping; gauges; precision machining; special machines, and associated products.
The interview with D Shanmugasundaram, the Vice President of TAGMA INDIA and the Managing Director of Coimbatore S&T Group, has revealed some critical insights about the technological advancements and innovations in the Indian Die & Mold industry. The interview also focused on the potential initiatives or programs that TAGMA is launching at DMI 2024 to support SMEs within the Die & Mould sector. In addition to that, the interview also contributes to the understanding of adopting advanced technologies and automation shaping the future of Tool Rooms in India.
Transforming Indian Toolrooms: Smart Manufacturing & Additive Manufacturing
The Die & Mold industry is presently in a state of transformation, as reflected by the consistent technological advancements and innovations. According to Mr Shanmugasundaram, as the Die & Mold industry has entered a transformative phase, it finds itself at the crossroads of significant advancements. One of the most important technological advancements in the field of Die & Mold is the adoption of Smart Manufacturing, a strategic implementation of Industry 4.0 principles.
Integrating Internet of Things (IoT) devices, sensors, and connectivity solutions indicates the symphony of real-time data collection and analysis, elevating operational efficiency to new heights. Predictive maintenance takes centre stage, reducing downtime and ensuring optimal performance. The collective influence of automation and connectivity helps in navigating the production process. It also plays an instrumental role in streamlining workflows and an encore of improved product quality.
Additive Manufacturing, the second critical technological advancement and innovation advocated by D Shanmugasundaram, is taking a definitive role in addressing the die & mould industry narrative. Additive Manufacturing enables the crafting of intricate and complex designs with optimum precision. Adopting additive manufacturing techniques is beneficial in reducing lead times, cost-effective prototyping, and the capacity to produce customized, intricate components that were once considered challenging.
Introducing Multi-Axis CNC machining is an indispensable advancement in the technological and innovation front. Enabling the ability of skilled performances, it operates on multiple axes simultaneously, facilitating complex and precise machining operations. This technological brilliance enhances the accuracy and efficiency of the die and mould production, enabling the creation of intricate geometries and complex tooling with refined surface finishes.
D Shanmugasundaram observes, “Data management has become a critical aspect of modern die and mould manufacturing. Efficient handling of vast data, including design specifications, production schedules, and quality control metrics, is crucial for seamless operations.” These advancements enhance efficiency, precision, and flexibility in the production processes, strategically placing the industry for continual growth and heightened competitiveness.
Mr Shanmugasundaram responds optimally as he proposes, “Envisioning the future of the Die & Mould industry in India beyond 2024, the landscape appears highly promising “. According to him, factors contributing to this optimistic outlook include the significant influx of global companies choosing to establish their presence in the country. As these international entities set up operations, an increased demand for cutting-edge tooling solutions emerges, presenting substantial business opportunities for local players.
Strengthening Local Supply Chain
An important substance influencing the future of the Die & Mould industry in India is the predominant trend of localization within the automotive sector. With a growing emphasis on manufacturing components locally, the Die & Mould industry anticipates an increased demand for advanced tooling to enhance its growth and innovation within the industry.
Expanding the focus beyond automotive confines, the growing non-automotive sectors present many opportunities. This diversification allows the Die & Mould industry to cater to the evolving needs of the electronics, healthcare, and consumer goods sectors. In addition, Mr Shanmugasundaram also focuses on the evolving landscape that opens up export opportunities for Indian companies within the Die & Mould sector. As the industry undergoes globalization, avenues emerge for Indian manufacturers to export their products and services, thereby contributing to the sector’s global growth.
Anticipating the future growth path, there is also a projection of sustained and robust double-digit growth for the Indian tooling industry. The industry is set to capitalize on emerging opportunities driven by domestic and international factors. Within this transformative journey, TAGMA is a key player, fostering innovation and ensuring the industry’s consistent ascent.
As the conversation proceeds, Mr Shanmugasundaram reflects on the potential initiatives or programs TAGMA is launching at DMI 2024 to support SMEs within the Die & Mould sector. As part of a significant endeavour to strengthen SMEs within the Die & Mould sector, TAGMA has collaborated with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). This collaboration secures financial assistance for small toolmakers participating in Die Mould India 2024.
The partnership has earned official approval from the Ministry of MSME, allowing registered MSME participants with 9-square-meter booths to access government-provided financial benefits. This strategic alliance reflects TAGMA’s vision to foster the growth and sustainability of small toolmakers, ensuring their enhanced participation and showcasing opportunities at the exhibition through improved accessibility and financial support.
Higher Efficiency & Customer Satisfaction
The integration of advanced technologies and automation is fundamentally reshaping the future landscape of Tool Rooms in India, according to Mr Shanmugasundaram. Embracing these technological advancements proves immensely advantageous, offering a roadmap toward higher efficiency and customer satisfaction. With the contemporary market demanding rapid and error-free deliveries, Tool Rooms must invest in technologies that minimize human interventions and optimize operational processes.
In the current landscape, customer expectations are rising, calling for a paradigm shift towards automation to meet these growing demands. The incorporation of advanced technologies not only contributes to streamlining production processes but also augments overall efficiency. The industry’s capacity to deliver high-quality products swiftly depends on incorporating automation. Emphasizing the necessity for continuous investment in the latest technologies, Mr Shanmugasundaram contemplates the importance of remaining competitive in the dynamic business environment. Being updated with technological innovation, Tool Rooms can ensure its ability to meet customers’ evolving demands and industry standards.
Neglecting to invest in these advancements poses the risk of lagging in the market, highlighting technology’s pivotal role in shaping the future of Tool Rooms in India. The strategic imperative of adopting advanced technologies goes beyond meeting customer expectations. It contributes extensively to exceeding the customers’ expectations to ensure consistent competitive advantage.
The Future is Already Here!
AI, machine learning, and data analytics assume crucial roles within the domain of Industry 4.0, and their impact on shaping the future of manufacturing cannot be emphasized enough. These state-of-the-art technologies provide manufacturers with a data-centric approach across diverse operations, encompassing production, logistics, operations, and procurement. Incorporating AI and machine learning facilitates advanced data analysis, identification of patterns, and predictive modelling, allowing manufacturers to make well-informed decisions, streamline processes, and improve overall efficiency.
In the current dynamic business environment, possessing the capacity to utilize and extract insights from extensive data effectively is a strategic asset. AI and machine learning algorithms can process and interpret data at unparalleled speeds, resulting in enhanced decision-making and the discovery of valuable trends. Simultaneously, data analytics plays a pivotal role in extracting meaningful insights from intricate datasets, providing actionable intelligence to propel operational excellence.
